Magnet test scores unveiled

Originally created to promote integration, L.A. Unified’s magnet program is increasingly perceived as the best
option for high-performing students. But until now, there has been no way for parents to compare performance of
the 141 magnets housed on larger campuses.

These programs are not recognized by the California Department of Education as independent schools.
On public reports, their test scores are combined with those of their host schools.
Just 20 magnets have their own campuses.

As the Dec. 18 deadline for magnet applications approaches, this Los Angeles Times map for the first time
untangles the magnet picture. Using data obtained from the district, The Times has separated the magnet scores
so they can be compared both to their host schools and to all other magnets. Most—but far from all—magnets are
high performing.

KEYStandalone magnet schoolHosted magnet school

Magnet school test results

Click the headers to rank magnets by percent proficient and above on the 2009 California Standards Test.

Note: This list does not include 10 magnet programs that opened this year because they have yet to take the California Standards Test.
Sources: Los Angeles Unified School District
Credits: Howard Blume, Thomas Suh Lauder, Sandra Poindexter, Doug Smith, Ben Welsh